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CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
As many of you will likely have heard through the media, there was a new case of CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border in the city of Libby, Montana. An aged white-tailed doe was killed in February 2019 as she was emaciated and sick-looking. Last week, initial test results came back positive for CWD. Results of a second confirmation test are expected soon. This is the first time CWD has been detected west of the Continental Divide in Montana.
Montana is planning surveillance in the area to determine if there are additional cases and if so, disease prevalence, distribution and species affected. Fortunately the BC Wildlife Health Program is working closely with Montana in order to assess the risk and protect B.C. wildlife. Montana’s press release is attached.
Please let me know if you have any questions at this time. I will keep everyone informed as we learn more.
Cait
Cait Nelson
Wildlife Health Biologist | Wildlife and Habitat Branch
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
2080 Labieux Road Nanaimo BC V9T 6J9 | 250-751-3219
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE—May 30, 2019
Libby whitetailtests positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease was recently found in a white-tailed doe that waskilled within the city limits of Libby. Fish, Wildlife & Parks officialscollected the doe after residents reported seeing a very emaciated andsick-looking deer.
This week, initial test results came back positive for CWD. Results of asecond confirmation test are expected early next week. This is the first time CWD has been detected inthe wild, west of the Continental Divide in Montana.
In accordance with FWP’s CWD response plan, an incident command team hasbeen assembled to respond to the detection. The incident command team willdefine an Initial Response Area (IRA) around where the infected animal was collected.This will include an area within a roughly 10-mile radius of the collectionsite. The IRA defines the area within which the disease prevalence anddistribution will be determined. Inaddition, FWP will collect samples from road-killed deer in hunting districts100, 101, 103 and 104.
For people in the Libby area, who see a deer that appears to be sick,please call 291-6539 and leave a message with your name, number, the locationof the animal and the time you saw it.
CWD is a progressive, fatal disease affecting the nervous system of muledeer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It is part of a group of diseasescalled Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). TSEs are caused byinfectious, mis-folded prion proteins, which cause normal prion proteinsthroughout a healthy animal’s body to mis-fold, resulting in organ damage andeventual death.
CWD is a slow-moving disease. However, left unmanaged, it could result inlong-term population declines within affected herds. All the states andprovinces that border Montana, other than Idaho and British Columbia, havefound CWD in their wild cervids.
CWD was first found in wild deer in Montana in October 2017. To date, CWDhas been detected in Carbon, Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Valley, Daniels,Sheridan and now Lincoln counties. To prevent the spread of CWD within Montana,FWP establishes CWD Management Zones in areas where CWD has been found. Wholecarcass, whole head or spinal column from any deer, elk, or moose harvested cannotbe removed from these zones unless the animal has tested negative for CWD.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
It’s only a matter of time and without a cure there is no stopping the spread
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
wow whitetails migrate from bc into.montana in thta corner
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Cait,
Thank you for the update. I was in attendance at the AGM for your excellent presentation on CWD.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
I would be surprised if prion diseases weren’t already here. I’m sure animals have died in the wild from this. As well as untested animals harvested by hunters. It’s scary either way.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frank grimes
I would be surprised if prion diseases weren’t already here. I’m sure animals have died in the wild from this. As well as untested animals harvested by hunters. It’s scary either way.
Yup, if it is here or not, it will be soon and it is a scary thing.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Hmmmm last year I harvested a deer in eastern Alberta..I had plenty of time to look the deer over..he walked well, normal.he looked healthy and even on field dressing and later processed it for transport home.
Only many weeks later did I get a phone call that my deer tested positive for CWD.
The deer carcass was confiscated and destroyed.
Had it not been for mandatory testing..I would have processed and consumed this animal..as it looked and acted normal and exibited no signs of CWD.
Thats scary. ...imo
Cheers
Srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
CWD is not liable to be harmful to Humans. It does not appear to be transferable. No need to take my word for it, figure for yourself. I am not worried about it, myself. That said, something of interest to keep appraised of. Hopefully just an old wandering Doe that made it a long ways.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Well, for now it isn't harmful to humans and might never be.
However, I think there is always the concern (by disease control) that one day something could jump from an animal to human.
So, it's never 100% down the road.
The bad thing right now is what it could do to the deer populations overall if it spread into BC.
As if we didn't need anymore bad mojo in that area.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Not harmful to humans? British government kept saying BSE wasn't transferred to humans, and look where that ended up.
CWD has been transferred in Macaque monkeys, a good analogue for people.
Much caution is in order.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Interesting read Red.
I'd agree that we should be concerned.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Thanks RR..
I dont know anything about CWD..however the biologists in Alberta...and here were extremely concerned..and very detailed and aggressive cleaning procedures were described for cleaning our cutting area, knives etc.
The biologists seemed very concerned....
Srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
srupp
Thanks RR..
I dont know anything about CWD..however the biologists in Alberta...and here were extremely concerned..and very detailed and aggressive cleaning procedures were described for cleaning our cutting area, knives etc.
The biologists seemed very concerned....
Srupp
Yup, I think the more one gets informed on this, the more worrisome it becomes.
Although there has been some talk about a cure, it seems we are far from it.
I think everybody needs to start thinking about it and get aware.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
I always like to see people being informed and being aware of wildlife challenges......that's a good thing
I also see these conversations seldom, if ever, talk about solutions that are viable or practical.
Here is a literal dose of reality.....
BC spends next to piss all on it's wildlife or it's protection.
No investment no return.
There are a vast majority of hunters that still cling to the mantra that hunting regulations will make an impact on the big picture in wildlife recovery, which is beyond ignorant.
What about if all hunting was stopped tomorrow..... so we know that hunting and regulations are no longer a factor in wildlife prosperity?
Reality is that it would have little if any impact on the implosion of wildlife in this province and the downward spiral will continue.
Great to analyze it to death though eh!!
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Does anyone know what BC's CWD response plan entails if/when the disease is confirmed in the province?
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walking Buffalo,2104161
Does anyone know what BC's CWD response plan entails if/when the disease is confirmed in the province?
Yes..I understand only those that live outside Vancouver and did not vote NDP will be allowed to eat wild game not screened or checked.
Srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Walking Buffalo
Does anyone know what BC's CWD response plan entails if/when the disease is confirmed in the province?
Likely nothing.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Walking Buffalo
Does anyone know what BC's CWD response plan entails if/when the disease is confirmed in the province?
Post #1 in this thread:
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showth...llance-Program
She is the person running the show, or should I say "stuck with the problem" so far here in BC.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
338win mag
Likely nothing.
Newly released CWD response plan. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/en...9_approved.pdf
You will see some announcements re the east Kootenays before too long. More freezers are required to handle an increased effort on collecting heads for testing — you can get in touch with Cait or the BCWF office if you can help with securing freezers.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Is the BCWF looking for freezers?
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
338win mag
Is the BCWF looking for freezers?
The BCWF is helping coordinate getting freezers to the east Kootenays. Ten plus will be needed.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
CWD Found West of the Continental Divide in Montana: (more cases showing up so only a matter of time if not already here?):
https://wildlifemanagement.institute...divide-montana
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2chodi
Newly released CWD response plan.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/en...9_approved.pdf
You will see some announcements re the east Kootenays before too long. More freezers are required to handle an increased effort on collecting heads for testing — you can get in touch with Cait or the BCWF office if you can help with securing freezers.
Thank you.
One potential control measure that I did not see in the document is a pre-emptive population density reduction in areas adjacent to known CWD endemic areas.
I would suggest considering a unlimited open season on Whitetails from Creston to Alberta starting right now. Don't wait until CWD is identified in the province. At that point, it is too late.
The only management practice that has had an effective result in reducing both the infection and dispersal rate of CWD is to keep populations densities low.
The lower the better if a desire to keep CWD from infecting new populations is truly desired.
Yes, this sucks, but the alternative is worse.
On the bright side, all the wolves will starve. ;)
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2chodi
The BCWF is helping coordinate getting freezers to the east Kootenays. Ten plus will be needed.
I have one here they can have, works good...pick up in vernon or in salmon arm if that works. pm me.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
srupp
Hmmmm last year I harvested a deer in eastern Alberta..I had plenty of time to look the deer over..he walked well, normal.he looked healthy and even on field dressing and later processed it for transport home.
Only many weeks later did I get a phone call that my deer tested positive for CWD.
The deer carcass was confiscated and destroyed.
Had it not been for mandatory testing..I would have processed and consumed this animal..as it looked and acted normal and exibited no signs of CWD.
Thats scary. ...imo
Cheers
Srupp
Not to derail, but can you please explain this post to me. The way it reads is this....You unknowingly shot, processed, and hauled an infected animal home. Then several weeks later you find out it was infected, so you're thankful that you never processed or consumed any of it.
I personally can't think of a single animal in my whole hunting career that I shot for food and hadn't subsequently started eating shortly after harvest.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RiverOtter
Not to derail, but can you please explain this post to me. The way it reads is this....You unknowingly shot, processed, and hauled an infected animal home. Then several weeks later you find out it was infected, so you're thankful that you never processed or consumed any of it.
I personally can't think of a single animal in my whole hunting career that I shot for food and hadn't subsequently started eating shortly after harvest.
Hunting potentially CWD infected animals has added a new element to the process.
Quite simply, you don't eat any of the animal until the testing has been completed and confirms that the animal is CWD free.
This can be quite frustrating when the test results may take months....
In Alberta, hunters are learning to exert the very least effort when preserving their harvest until testing is done.
Putting whole quarters into the freezer.... no point in butchering, making burger and especially sausage until you know the animal is not infected.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RiverOtter
Not to derail, but can you please explain this post to meit The way it reads is this....You unknowingly shot, processed, and hauled an infected animal home. Then several weeks later you find out it was infected, so you're thankful that you never processed or consumed any of it.
I personally can't think of a single animal in my whole hunting career that I shot for food and hadn't subsequently started eating shortly after harvest.
Hmmm yes...I was drawn for late trophy mule deer hunt after 7 years priority points.
It was known ? Or assumed these eastern units held higher probibilities of CWD..so It was a requirement to submit part of the brainstem for mandatory testing.no animals brains or spinal column were allowed to be transported back to BC.
So the animal was cut up, bagged in 4mm vacutainer bags, and clearly marked.
We then waited for the brain biopsy report .it was positive..and animal was picked up from our residence within 24 hrs of notification.
One other gentleman from this site was 75 miles away his deer tested positive for CWD ALSO.
Srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
I believe that the BC government knows of about 10 cases like yours from 2018 — likely some that weren’t picked up by the system as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
srupp
Hmmm yes...I was drawn for late trophy mule deer hunt after 7 years priority points.
It was known ? Or assumed these eastern units held higher probibilities of CWD..so It was a requirement to submit part of the brainstem for mandatory testing.no animals brains or spinal column were allowed to be transported back to BC.
So the animal was cut up, bagged in 4mm vacutainer bags, and clearly marked.
We then waited for the brain biopsy report .it was positive..and animal was picked up from our residence within 24 hrs of notification.
One other gentleman from this site was 75 miles away his deer tested positive for CWD ALSO.
Srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
saskbooknut
Not harmful to humans? British government kept saying BSE wasn't transferred to humans, and look where that ended up.
CWD has been transferred in Macaque monkeys, a good analogue for people.
Much caution is in order.
Attempt @ constructive criticism, se vouis plais? Lolz
While both four legged's; other than Scientific classifications as "Bovine" that is, Beef Cattle ain't NA Wild Game! Whitetail Deer: Mule Deer, Moose and Elk are WAY different beasts. Monkey WAY different. Further still are two legged Human and any Monkey variety. Drastically so!
Literally so called "Mad Cow Disease" or as you say "BSE" was a spin YET when actual millions + Millions of Hunters resident in jurisdictions wherein they allege every Deer has CWD prevalent and all are eating these animals steady sans infection? I vouch for the latter. Just Saying
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
"No Choke"Lord Walsingham
Attempt @ constructive criticism, se vouis plais? Lolz
While both four legged's; other than Scientific classifications as "Bovine" that is, Beef Cattle ain't NA Wild Game! Whitetail Deer: Mule Deer, Moose and Elk are WAY different beasts. Monkey WAY different. Further still are two legged Human and any Monkey variety. Drastically so!
Literally so called "Mad Cow Disease" or as you say "BSE" was a spin YET when actual millions + Millions of Hunters resident in jurisdictions wherein they allege every Deer has CWD prevalent and all are eating these animals steady sans infection? I vouch for the latter. Just Saying
If I shoot a CWD positive deer, you are welcome to have it on the promise you'll eat it all.
Just saying....
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2chodi
I believe that the BC government knows of about 10 cases like yours from 2018 — likely some that weren’t picked up by the system as well.
My wife was another. Met with the BC CO's and put all the meat in their freezer for destruction. I had kept the deer in quarters in the freezer and had ground a bunch of the trim and kept it separate. All was destroyed.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Walking Buffalo
If I shoot a CWD positive deer, you are welcome to have it on the promise you'll eat it all.
Just saying....
Where as CWD non transferable to us, I will take you up on that. Promise of "eat it all" includes all edible portions, not gonna eat general gut pile (I do not include liver, kidney heart and tongue in gutpile) or CNS tissue. Though must say I prefer to kill mine own Deer!
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2chodi
I believe that the BC government knows of about 10 cases like yours from 2018 — likely some that weren’t picked up by the system as well.
You are indeed correct..there is a evolving program in Alberta on possible solutions..massive increase to tags..or win one get 2 extra doe tags..extended seasons, culling..however in seeking hunter input they did not think to involve out of Province hunters..I by chance read the survey, completed it and got to chat with professor leading the study survey.
There were ALOTS of positive CWD results surprised them all.
srupp
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Wild sheep foundations last news letter had a article about it, said wolves and cougars may help with the CWD problem.
May be something to think about since some of the states and other proviences with less wolves and cats have a bigger
CWD problem.
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Why is this thread in the Mainland BC hunting forum?
Shouldn't it be in the Recipe forum with the other CWD threads?
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Funny how this works, I posted CWD information and how it as on its way to BC and everyone shit kicked me. Now after a long time out, it all of a sudden is a topic of interest.
So good to be back..........
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Re: CWD reported within 50 km of the BC border
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bownut
Funny how this works, I posted CWD information and how it as on its way to BC and everyone shit kicked me. Now after a long time out, it all of a sudden is a topic of interest.
So good to be back..........
Uhmmm, more like you have a difficult time making a rational point.
A lot of your focus was on banning baiting as means to stem CWD......this coming from a guy that promotes WINTER FEEDING STATIONS.
It's like an arsonist showing up and lecturing on fire safety.
You took a bit of a beating for a reason.